by Eunice Arias

I delight greatly in the Lord;
My soul rejoices in my God.
For the Lord has clothed me
with garments of salvation
And arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.
As a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make
righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
Isaiah 62:10-11

On November 15, 2008, God sang in Costa Rica. God sang because more than 40 women from 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean were loudly rejoicing for what they've learned, shared and lived during a most amazing week together at the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (Latin America Biblical University), an ecumenical institution.

God sang because thanks to the "Sabiduría y Testimonio" program, these women were able to get together and affirm their faith and dreams: the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness spring up before all nations!

God sang because these women were encouraged and committed to go on working for a new world and a new humanity, without ethnic or sex discrimination, without fears. God sang. And so did the women.

Because you are sons (and daughters),
God sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts,
The Spirit who calls out, "Abba," Father.
So you are no longer a slave, but a son (a daughter);
and since you are a son (a daughter),
God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:6-7

Last year, on November 17, God sang in Guatemala. God sang because 18 Mayan women from remote small villages were receiving a certificate of recognition for participating in the course "Holistic Health and Salvation." The course was held during eight months at the Instituto Bíblico Metodista Maya.

God sang because these women rejoiced and embodied in their lives what it really means to be God's daughters: free from discrimination, having the opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills, able to rise as leaders of their communities and churches.

God sang because these women realized what it really means, on a daily basis, to be created in God's image.

God sang because these women understood that they were entitled to live a good, safe, healthy, and abundant life. And that this is God's perfect will for them.

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised
You now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation
Which you prepared in the sight of all people,
A light for revelation to the Gentiles
And for glory to your people Israel.
Luke 2:29-32

God sang and will go on singing any time you and I open paths for justice, understanding, and love.

God sang and will go on singing any time we put aside our selfish and perishable priorities.

God sang and will go on singing for every child, every woman, every youth, and every old person taken into consideration by our personal and collective plans.

God sang and will go on singing any time we share and spread the Good News not only by word but also by work (deeds), attitude, lifestyle, songs, hugs, prayers.

God sang and will go on singing any time someone, as did Simeon and Anna, give thanks and praises because they've "seen" God's salvation.

Amen.

Eunice Arias is a Global Ministries missionary currently on study leave in Costa Rica until December 31, 2008. Her most recent assignment was with the National Evangelical Primitive Methodist Church of Guatemala.

Resources for Advent and Christmas
Advent, the beginning of the church year, starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is a time of preparation, anticipation, and hope.

	See Also... Topic: Advent |  Bible |  Christmas |  GBGM programs |  Missionaries |  United Methodist Church |  Women |  Partners/partnerships |  Geographic Region: Latin America |  World |  Source: Mission Personnel
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Date posted: Nov 29, 2008